fodder sample and survey in kutch region

Research data anaysis

1. RPP II Developing optimized year-round forage production systems for saline water irrigated areas of arid Kutch (CAZRI/T-04/69) Duration: July 2023 – June 2027 Presented by Sheetal K Radhakrishnan Scientist (Environmental Sciences)

2. To study the existing forage production practices and its utilization pattern in the study area To assess the production potential, soil health and economics of different fodder production systems under varying levels of irrigation water salinity To study the effectiveness of integrating fodder halophytes in intercropping systems to mitigate the salt stress and improve crop yield Objectives Field surveys to collect primary data on the existing fodder sources, production, conservation practices, and utilization patterns in the Kutch region. Activity for this year

3. Kutch district is purposely selected for the study. Out of the 10 blocks in Kutch, three blocks ( Bhuj, Anjar and Gandhidham ) were selected purposively on the basis of highest, medium and lowest bovine and small ruminant population. Villages from each selected tehsil were selected proportionately. Total sample size: 300 Farmers covered: 40 Criteria : Farmers growing at least one fodder crop in a year & having minimum one milch animal Methodology

4. Socio-economic conditions

5. Land holding Average land holding : 12.43 acre (10.5acre own + 1.9 acre leased) Average land holding : 10.9 acre (10.5acre own + 0.4 acre leased)

6. Percent households having livestock species (N=40) Block Villages Total HHs Surveyed Cow Buffalo Sheep Goat Average number of livestock per HHs Average milk production (L) Cow Buffalo Cow Buffalo Bhuj Kukma 20 90 30 - - 3.5 0.7 5.69 10.00 Lakhond 20 86 70 - - 2.95 2.0 5.82 10.25 Livestock status Breeds owned: 95% desi cow Average sale price Cow milk: Rs. 40-46/L Buffalo milk: Rs. 55-63/L

7. Fodder Production status Average land under fodder (acre) % of total land holding Kukma 12.4 38.4 Lakhond 10.9 10.9 Green fodder Yield per ha. (qt) Rate (Rs) per kg Kukma 400-900 3.5-4 Lakhond 420-1500 3-3.25

8. Soil & Water quality status pH range Average EC dS /m range Average Kukma 6.5 – 8.19 7.12 3.4 – 6.3 5.85 Lakhond 7.13 – 8.04 7.63 1.76 – 3.5 2.6 pH range Average EC dS /m range Average Kukma 7.78 – 8.78 8.4 0.29 – 1.7 1.17 Lakhond 7.76 – 9.2 8.5 0.44 – 1.68 0.93 Water samples Soil samples

9. Activities for next year Survey of the existing forage production practices and its utilization pattern in the study area will continue To assess the production potential, soil health and economics of different fodder production systems under varying levels of irrigation water salinity To study the effectiveness of integrating fodder halophytes in intercropping systems to mitigate the salt stress and improve crop yield

10. S. No. Name, designation and institute Status in the project (PI/CC-PI/ Co-PI) Time to be spent (%) Work components to be assigned to individual scientist 1 Dr. Renjith P.S., Scientist (Agronomy) PI (till Feb 2024) 25 Overall coordination and execution of the project, execution of field experiments, recording of different crop data, data analysis and report writing 2 Dr. Sheetal K Radhakrishnan, Scientist ( Envtl Sciences) Co-PI I 15 Analysis of fodder nutritional quality and different soil and water parameters 3 Er. Abhishek Patel (Scientist, L&WME) Co-PI II 15 Field survey and data collection and analysis 4 Dr. Manish Kanwat (Pr. Scientist & Head) Co-PI III 15 Preparation of questionnaire, survey of farmers, execution of field experiments at farmers field

11. Thankyou